Congaree National Park

Congaree National Parkis another plus that we love to go to. Located smack-dab in the middle of South Carolina, just a half-hour’s drive from the capital city of Columbia, Congaree National Park preserves North America’s largest remaining old-growth bottomland forest. Although this nearly 27,000-acre park has around 600 acres of piney uplands, including about 200 acres of valuable Longleaf pine habitat, its ecological centerpiece is a virtually pristine 12,000-acre tract of floodplain forest.

This national park offers a unique experience where you can learn about the biological wildlife as well as the history of the swamps. There are several trails you can choose to follow and all are elevated above the swamps and offer places to sit and take in the beauty of the swamps. There are over 25 miles of hiking trails and 2.4 miles of boardwalk loop trail. The boardwalk loop trail provides wheelchair access to Weston Lake and foot access to other trails that wind through the Congaree floodplain forest. Colored markers make the trails easy to follow. Guided walks and canoe trips are offered free of charge.

When we went be couldn't believe how beautiful and peaceful it was. My husband and I decided to visit Congaree National Park it was in March and it was pretty out. We decided to walk the 2.4 Miles of boardwalk loop trail. There was so much to see, The scenery along the boardwalk is impressive – various plants, giant trees, and wildlife.  Sitting at Weston Lake watching several turtles sun themselves on drift wood was one of our favorite memories of Congaree.

This park is a must see. The visitors center is wonderful, the staff are extremely helpful and the exhibits are great. The visitor's center is well lighted and contains displays of early civilization inhabitants, as well as stuffed animals representing those found in the park. A small gift shop is also available there, as well as brochures and a map for a self guided walk.

Congaree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Visitor Center is open 9:00 am-5:00 pm 7 days per week from October 1-March 31. The facility is open 9:00 am-5:00 pm Sunday-Thursday and 9:00 am-7:00 pm Friday and Saturday from April 1-September 30 each year.

For more information go to the website HERE